St Edward's College marks 75th anniversary - October 10, 2004

St Edward's College is commemorating the 75th anniversary since its foundation with a series of cultural and recreational activities.

The college was founded by Lady Strickland and built on a military site which served as the old Cottonera hospital. It opened its doors on October 1, 1929, when it had just 29 students. Today it caters for about 1,000 students.

St Edward's College was built in one of Malta's prime historical sites. It is adjacent to the Cottonera fortifications, near Notre Dame Gate, which is one of the finest gates within this line of fortifications. In the bastions themselves there is a gym which in 1998 was given a new lease of life as a modern fitness centre.

As part of the celebrations to mark the 75th anniversary, a symphony concert, under the patronage of President Fenech Adami, is being held at the Manoel Theatre on Tuesday.

The National Orchestra, conducted by Michael Laus, will perform Bruckner's Symphony No. 1 and Beethoven's "Emperor" concerto, with Mro Laus himself as the soloist.

Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech announced the activity during a press conference held at the Manoel Theatre.

The press conference was attended by Martin Scicluna, chairman of St Edward's College; Anthony Saliba, headmaster, Davinia Galea, event co-ordinator, Mro Laus, and Wilfred Kenely, chairman of the Manoel Theatre.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that such activities should be encouraged because they brought together education and culture. "St Edward's College gave a very valid contribution to the educational field in our country. It is therefore proper that the 75th anniversary since the foundation of this college is celebrated in the best way possible.

There is no better way to celebrate this event than by organising cultural and musical activities that give credit to Malta's wealth of performing arts."

The Minister said that private schools give an important contribution to the educational sector and he believed that St Edward's is giving its due share.

Celebrations reach their climax on Wednesday, feast of St Edward, with the planting of a commemorative tree at the college by Henry Hornyold-Strickland, Count della Catena, and descendant of Lord Strickland, the unveiling of a plaque by President Edward Fenech Adami, and a Mass by Archbishop Mercieca.

Winners of sports events between college students and Old Edwardians will receive their prizes from Education Minister Louis Galea.

On Saturday, Dr Zammit Dimech will open an art exhibition, while in the evening a reunion of Old Edwardians will be held, during which a book on the college's history will be launched.

An all-day fair is being organised by the PTA on Sunday.